Matina Jewell
Life-changing Perspective
from the Front-line
Matina Jewell
Life-changing perspective from the front line
Major Matina Jewell (Retired) CSP is an inspirational trailblazer, helping leaders build resilient teams to thrive through change.
Recognised in the ‘AFR 100 Women of Influence 2018’ Awards, Matina is also a Telstra Business Awards Finalist, and named by CPA Australia as a ‘Top-10 smart thinker’.
Among many honorary roles, Matina is a founding Ambassador for Project Thankful, a movement partnered with the United Nations to help empower women and children globally.
Matina’s incredible life story has been optioned for a global feature film.
'In-Their-Words" contribution for Australian War Memorial by Matina Jewell

A Military Trailblazer
Major Matina Jewell (Retired) CSP grew up in the hinterland of Byron Bay and joined the Army at age 17. During her 15 year military career, Matina:
- Served on five missions and earned eight war medals
- Is the only Australian to receive two Republic of Lebanon war medals for bravery on the battlefield and wounded in combat
- At 23yo, was appointed Officer in Command of the Army Department and Diving Officer for HMAS Kanimbla, then Australia’s largest Navy ship
- Was the first woman in the Australian Army to complete the physically demanding ‘Navy Diver’ course
- Worked with the elite SAS and American Navy Seals
- Tracked-down militia leaders in the Solomon Islands
- Fast-roped from helicopters
- Boarded smuggler ships in the Arabian Gulf
- Trained in three languages (Bahasa Indonesian, Arabic and English)
- Gained her Masters in Project Management
- Was selected as a Peacekeeper with the United Nations in Syria and Lebanon
A Change Champion
Since being medically retired, Matina has continued to champion change for veterans and others in honorary and advisory roles, including:
- Prime Ministerial Advisory Council
- National Mental Health Forum
- ANZAC Centenary Commission, alongside former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and the late Malcolm Fraser
- National Suicide Prevention Commission Advisor
- Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project – Ambassador
Other proud achievements include:
- 2018 – AFR 100 Women of Influence Awards Finalist
- 2017 – Certified Speaking Professional (International designation)
- 2016 – Telstra Business Awards Finalist
- 2015 – CPA Australia ‘Top-10 smart thinker’
- ABC’s ‘Australian Story’ and ‘I Survived…’ documentaries
- Best-selling author of Caught in the Crossfire
- Proud mum to two busy young girls

ABC Australian Story Documentary – The Blue Beret (Parts I & II)

Foxtel ‘I Survived’ Documentary
Awards

AFR 100 Women of Influence Awards
Finalist 2018
AFR 100 Women of Influence Awards Finalist 2018

Professional Speakers Australia
Certified Speaking Professional 2017
Professional Speakers Australia Certified Speaking Professional 2017

Telstra Business Women’s Awards
Finalist 2016
Telstra Business Women’s Awards Finalist 2016

CPA Australia ‘Top 10 Smart Thinker’
who shaped 2015
CPA Australia 'Top 10 Thinker' 2015
Honorary Roles

Project Thankful
Ambassador
Project Thankful Founding Ambassador

Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project
Ambassador
Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project Ambassador

ANZAC Centenary
Commissioner
ANZAC Spirit - ANZAC Centenary Commissioner
Recent Activity
Today I was asked to share my thoughts about courage in leadership with the fantastic team @sanofipasteur When we are called upon to step up & lead particularly when it’s not our job it takes extraordinary courage to do this So how can you show up with more courage this week?
#OnThisDay in 1964 the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne collided at night with the destroyer HMAS Voyager off the coast of Jervis Bay.
Of the crew of 314 aboard HMAS Voyager, 82 died.
To read more: https://t.co/uEgLdYi2ei
Thanks @RiskSummit the count down is on. Not long till we kick off the London Risk Summit 1st March. Looking forward to seeing you there!
@MatinaJewell Thanks for getting involved @MatinaJewell – we can’t wait to see you! 🙌
#OnThisDay in 1916 soldiers of the AIF marched along a crowded George Street in Sydney on #AustraliaDay
Thrilled to be the opening keynote speaker @RiskSummit in London 1st March where I’ll be joined by incredible line up of talented speakers sharing their unique experiences of managing risk Get in quick to register for this exciting event at https://t.co/kLTsUITdNo #RiskSummit2019